Common Italian Words You'll Need While Dining

An Italian holiday would be all about good food and enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends. If you visit, then, you'll likely spend quite a bit of time in restaurants or eating, so you need to be prepared.

We've put together some helpful phrases to make your meal time a breeze.

You'll no longer need a dictionary to order your food in Italy after reading this article! (Gianfranco Reppucci/flicrk)

After you are seated, the first thing you will be asked is if you want something to drink:

W: Vorrebbe ordinare da bere? = Would you like to order a drink?

Y: Posso avere un bicchiere d'acqua? = Can I have a glass of water?

W: Acqua naturale o gassata? = Still or sparkling?

Y: L'acqua naturale va bene = Still water will be fine

Y: Prenderò un succo d'arancia = I'll have an orange juice

W: Vuole qualcos'altro? = Do you need anything else?

Essential to every Italian meal is choosing the right wine:

Y: Vino rosso/bianco = Red/white wine

W: La lista dei vini è alla seconda pagina del menù = The wine list is on the second page of the menu

Un quarto di vino da pasto/da tavola = A quarter of your house wine

In Italy the menu is not always brought to the table by the host or hostess, therefore it might take a few minutes before one is actually brought to you. And you just might have to ask for one yourself.

Y: Posso vedere il menù? = Can I see the menu?

Waiters in Italy are not always around, they don't work for tips, so they don't act as sales people. If you're ready to order you just might have to flag one down and ask.

Beginning your meal:

Y: Posso ordinare? = Can I order?

W: Le piacerebbe iniziare con gli antipasti? = Would you like to start with some appetizers?

Y: Un antipasto, va bene = An appetizer sounds good

W: Sono in lista sulla prima pagina del menù = They are listed on the first page of the menu